Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Flaxseed Banana Bread with Nutella Surprise

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Happy Valentine's Day to you all! I know I've been rather absent lately - so sorry. Are you all still with me? Hello? Oh good, you're still there. We've had loads going on as we are pretty much overhauling our entire apartment. This week is move-everything-out-and-get-the-carpets-cleaned week. Joy.

We aren't really into the whole hoopla of Valentine's Day, especially since our anniversary and my birthday are right before, but I do like to whip up a little something for my Valentine just to remind him that I kinda like him. Since he has to work late tonight, and since we have so much going on this week with the house, we'll make a belated Valentine's dinner later in the week (I promise to post the yummy-ness).

So, on to today's recipe... I have to make a confession: I don't eat breakfast. I KNOW! Tsk tsk! I'm so bad. Either I hit the snooze button one (or four) too many times and have no time to make something, or nothing sounds good. I'm working on it, I promise. Today's recipe is a great on-the-go breakfast. How do I know? I'm munching on it as we chat. :)

The last banana bread I made was very dense and heavy, which I know some people like. I much prefer a light crumb, and this recipe definitely delivered. The addition of ground flaxseeds gives the bread a healthy kick and honestly, you don't even know it's there. Flaxseeds are loaded with heart healthy Omega-3s (the good fats), lignans (antioxidants) and fiber. Tiny little seeds with a powerful punch! I purchase ground flaxseed at Trader Joe's and keep it in the fridge.

And then, there's Nutella. This is a treat, after all. After stirring up the banana bread batter I had the brilliant idea to incorporate Nutella - just a little surprise in the center of the bread. So delish! If you're a Nutella fan freak like me, you'll be happy you gave this recipe a try.

Cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla and beat well. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt and flaxseeds. In a separate small bowl, mash the bananas and mix with the buttermilk. *Note: I didn't have buttermilk on hand, so I made my own. 3 tbsp milk with a squeeze of lemon juice. Let stand for several minutes until thick.

Add flour alternately with the banana mixture to the butter/sugar mixture, mixing completely between each addition. Spread half of the batter in the loaf pan. Batter is thick, so you have to smoosh it into the corners. Spoon Nutella down the center of the batter and spread with a spatula over most of the center.

How's THAT for an ugly photo???

Completely cover with the rest of the batter.

Finished product!

Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until tester comes out clean and the top of the loaf is beautfully golden brown. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a rack to cool completely. I have no self control and had to cut a slice while it was still hot. It crumbled, so I had to eat the crumbles too. Darn.